Where To Watch The State Of Origin In Sydney: The Best Bars, Pubs And More

State of Origin is back this month, with New South Wales and Queensland set to face off for Game One on Wednesday, May 27 at Accor Stadium.

If you haven't had the chance to lock in an IRL ticket, Sydney’s pubs are pulling out the big screens, cold pints and game-day atmosphere for those watching from closer to home.

Think theatre-sized screens to catch all of the action, huge margaritas, plates of up to 100 fried chicken wings, giant foosball tables, arcade games (for half-time shenanigans) and boozy shakes to fuel yourself through hours of cheering. 

Whether you’re backing the Blues or the Maroons, these are the Sydney pubs worth locking in for kickoff.

BrewDog South Eveleigh

Shop 2 Locomotive Street, South Eveleigh

Image credit: BrewDog | Supplied

Set inside South Eveleigh’s sprawling Locomotive precinct, BrewDog is turning things up for State of Origin with every game screening live and loud across two huge projectors. Expect all the essentials for a proper game night setup: cold pints, BrewDog favourites on tap and a line-up of pub classics to fuel the night.

They’re also pouring $8 schooners of Lost Lager from siren to siren, so whether you’re firmly in Blues territory or backing the Maroons, there’s plenty of reason to settle in early and stay for the full eighty.

Taphouse

122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst

Image credit: Taphouse | Supplied

Taphouse is bringing a few extra incentives to this year’s State of Origin season, screening every game while running a happy hour that lasts from 4pm right up until Queensland scores. Translation: if the Maroons are slow off the mark, your drinks bill might thank you.

Drinks start from $7.50, while the pub’s One Plate Wonders menu delivers a reliable game-night feed with protein, rice, steamed greens and vegetable spring rolls. Round up your mates and prepare for a healthy dose of sporting rivalry.

Public House Petersham

292 Stanmore Road, Petersham

Image credit: Public House Petersham | Supplied

Public House is keeping things simple for State of Origin this year: every game shown live and loud, plenty of space for your crew, and schooners pouring from first whistle to final siren.

They’re running $8 Tooheys schooners throughout each match too, making it an easy option if you’re after the kind of local pub atmosphere where every tackle, try and referee decision gets a reaction.

Keg & Brew

26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

Image credit: Keg & Brew | Supplied

One of Surry Hills’ most reliable sports pub setups, Keg & Brew will be screening every State of Origin match live and loud this season. Alongside wall-to-wall footy coverage, the pub is running pints for schooner prices on selected beers during each game, plus $15 wings and beef-and-Guinness pies for anyone settling in early.

There’ll also be post-match specials depending on who wins, including discounted Stone & Wood, Tooheys New and XXXX Gold pours for 60 minutes after full-time.

The Edinburgh Castle Hotel

294 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD

Image credit: Edinburgh Castle Hotel | Instagram

If you’re watching from the CBD, The Edinburgh Castle Hotel is bringing proper pub energy for Origin night. Expect the game live and loud alongside the same rotating beer specials and game-night feeds rolling out across the Good Beer Co venues.

The Duke of Dural

3 Kenthurst Road, Dural

Image credit: The Duke of Dural | Instagram

Out in Sydney’s north-west, The Duke of Dural is dialling things up with live screenings, drink specials and hearty pub food throughout the series. The sprawling venue makes it a solid pick for bigger groups wanting a more relaxed Origin watch setup outside the city.

Penny's Hotel

9-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point

Image credit: Penny's Hotel | Instagram

Over in Potts Point, Penny’s Hotel is bringing classic State of Origin chaos with pints for schooner prices across selected beers, plus drink giveaways throughout the night.

There’s also a retro footy twist involved: anyone buying a Tooheys New during the game will go into the running to win one of three retro NSW jerseys.

The Bank

324 King Street, Newtown

Image credit: The Bank Hotel | Instagram

Newtown favourite The Bank is screening every match from both the women’s and men’s State of Origin series live and loud across the venue. Expect big screens, a buzzing game-day crowd and $15 Tooheys jugs from 6pm during every match, plus free merch giveaways while stocks last.

The Clock Hotel

470 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Image credit: The Clock | Instagram

The Clock is once again shaping up as one of Surry Hills’ biggest Origin hubs, with every match streamed live across the pub throughout the series. Alongside wall-to-wall footy coverage, the venue is pouring $18 Tooheys jugs from 6pm on game days, with merch giveaways up for grabs too.

Albion Hotel

135 George Street, Parramatta

Image credit: Albion Hotel | Instagram

Over in Parramatta, the Albion Hotel is getting behind both the women’s and men’s series with live screenings throughout the venue. Fans can settle in with $15 Tooheys jugs from 6pm on game days, plus giveaways running across the series while stocks last.

The Sackville

599 Darling Street, Rozelle

Image credit: The Sackville | Instagram

The Sackville is bringing classic Inner West pub energy for State of Origin this year, screening every tackle and try live and loud throughout the series. Alongside the big screens, the venue is also running $15 Tooheys jugs from 6pm during games and handing out free merch on select nights.

The Woodstock

Corner Woodstock Avenue and Duke Street, Rooty Hill

Image credit: The Woodstock | Supplied

Rooty Hill local The Woodstock is screening the entire State of Origin series across both its Sports Bar and Beer Garden. Expect big crowds, cold beers and plenty of game-night atmosphere, with $15 Tooheys jugs pouring from 6pm throughout the series.

Main image credit: NRL | Instagram